Indians crushed by Clippers, fall to .500 on the season

The Indians were unable to secure a series tie against the Columbus Clippers (56-34), falling 9-1 on Friday night.

Indianapolis (45-45) fell out of the game from the start, as starting pitcher Eduardo Vera lasted just 1.2 innings, allowing all of Columbus' runs on nine hits and one walk. Once Vera was pulled, the Indians' bullpen was spotless, not allowing any runs over 6.1 innings while combining to strike out 13 batters.

The Indians' bats struggled to string hits together. Five players accounted for Indianapolis' seven hits, but the team managed just one run in the fifth inning, leaving 15 runners on base.

The teams will play the third game of four at 7:15 p.m. Saturday in Columbus. If the Indians lose, they will drop below .500 for the first time since May 8.